Realizing that his archdiocese had long outgrown the original Co-Cathedral in Galveston-Houston, Archbishop Emeritus Joseph Fiorenza selected Rohn & Associates Design, Inc. to develop the new Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral in downtown Houston. Rolf Rohn, a trusted name in liturgical environments, and his team worked closely with Archbishop Fiorenza, Father Troy Gately, and Bishop Rizzotto to transform the vision into a more traditional, liturgically correct environment—a space where furnishings, appointments, architecture, iconography, and devotional imagery work in harmony to inspire all who enter. This colossal yet gracious contemporary neo-Italian Romanesque space is a 37,000-square-foot marvel that accommodates 1,820 people and spans a two-block expanse. The project took five years from conception to completion.
Faith comes alive in this space, where art, architecture, celebration, and meditation converge. With no columns to obstruct views, the entire liturgy, as well as devotional and architectural accents—including extraordinary art glass, statuary, decorative pendentives, and sacred art—remain fully visible thanks to unencumbered sightlines. The worship environment resonates with holiness, softening the modern structure with a heroically traditional interior. In essence, it is an exquisite and majestic tribute to God and His people in the Houston Catholic community.
The exterior of the Co-Cathedral and its towering campanile stand strong and imposing—rising nearly six stories above neighboring buildings. This sense of grandeur is crowned by three 18-foot crosses atop the roof and campanile, each adorned with two layers of 23-karat gold leaf, generously donated by Rolf, adding a touch of sacred splendor to the structure. Just above the grand entrance, a stunning 20-foot stained-glass Resurrection window offers a vibrant welcome. This artwork serves as a beacon for downtown Houston, greeting visitors from the highway and casting a warm, luminous glow across the city. Its presence is monumental, creating an immediate impression as people enter this sacred space.
As visitors pass through the majestic 16-foot doors, their eyes are immediately drawn to the three 20-ton white Carrara marble upper door transoms, which reflect the early missionaries and bishops of the Houston Archdiocese. At the center, a sculpted image of Christ the King ties the entire scene together, drawing the gaze upward and fostering a sense of reverence.
Inside, the Co-Cathedral reveals a thoughtfully composed harmony of lightness and tradition. Rolf enhanced the spacious, minimalist design with 30,000 square feet of luminous marble, setting the stage for the sacred journey that unfolds within. A striking inlaid marble floor—crafted from Italian beige and green stone—reflects the Christian path. Beginning at the entrance, it guides visitors down a graceful center aisle, winding around a central “living water” baptismal font and culminating at the altar. There, richly patterned stonework defines a welcoming and sacred sanctuary. Solid oak pews and custom-designed frontals offer both comfort and dignity, ensuring the congregation feels meaningfully connected to the liturgical experience.
The building’s cruciform form elevates the altar at the center of the crossing, making it the focal point of all liturgical celebrations. Latin American saints, including St. Juan Diego, grace the side altars, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere and reflecting the diversity and depth of the Catholic faith. At the rear of the sanctuary, behind the altar, stands a striking 9-foot image of the Passion of Christ, carved in antiqued Linden wood and mounted on an 18-foot cross. A golden carved wall symbolizes Christ’s death and ascension into Heaven, drawing the focus of every worshiper toward the altar.
Throughout the sanctuary, 8-foot full-round statues of saints such as Saint Joseph and Child Jesus, St. Elizabeth Seton, St. Anthony, St. Martin de Porres, and St. Thérèse of Lisieux are set into eight multi-colored marble shrines. Along the walls, 4-foot by 7-foot high-relief Stations of the Cross—designed and fabricated in Rohn's Pittsburgh studios—guide worshipers through Christ’s journey. At the far ends of the transepts, two monumental 10-foot white Carrara statues of the Sacred Heart and the Immaculate Conception stand tall, each weighing more than 20 tons. Their scale and beauty reinforce the Co-Cathedral’s solemn and sacred purpose.
The liturgical furnishings, including the altar, ambo, tabernacle base, and other details, are crafted from Ethiopian Rosa Diaspora marble, which took six months to quarry. Once quarried, the marble was transported to Italy, where skilled artisans carefully fabricated each piece. The pieces were then shipped to Houston for installation. Other furnishings, like the Cathedra Chair, are constructed from superior Northern Oak with bronze accents, further enhancing the elegance of the environment.
The interior’s vaulting is equally stunning, featuring a 100-foot diameter dome adorned with hand-painted glass images of the 12 Apostles. Above the dome, an 8-foot oculus backlit by stained glass represents the Holy Spirit, surrounded by the seven gifts of the Spirit. This magnificent dome not only draws the eye upward but serves as a reminder of the heavenly realm, inviting worshipers to lift their hearts and minds in prayer.
Throughout the Co-Cathedral, 108 stained-glass windows depict angels and saints; each window is carefully crafted with beveled, diamond-like accents. These windows flood the interior with a kaleidoscope of colors, enriching the spiritual atmosphere and inviting light into the sacred space.
The addition of the world-class Pasi Opus XIX pipe organ further elevates the Co-Cathedral’s acoustics. With 5,499 pipes of varying sizes, this instrument is a marvel in itself. It harmonizes perfectly with the architectural design, providing an inspirational experience for all who enter. This organ marks the Archdiocese's first installation of a pipe organ in 25 years. Additionally, the loft provides ample space for a choir or orchestra, further enhancing the worship experience.
The Houston Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart is a breathtaking modern Romanesque cathedral that seamlessly blends traditional Catholic reverence with contemporary design. Serving as a beautiful and sacred environment for major liturgical celebrations, it is a space where the Houston Catholic community can come together in prayer, reflection, and celebration. It provides a serene retreat from the bustling city, offering both spiritual nourishment and an enduring symbol of faith.
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